heartrending

[hahrt-ren-ding]

adjective

1. causing or expressing intense grief, anguish, or distress.

Other Word Forms

• heartrendingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of heartrending¹

First recorded in 1680–90; heart + rending ( def. )

Example Sentences

The children’s memories of their former friends in Plinkst were bittersweet at best, heartrending at worst, but the heel-clicking gesture was both invigorating and enjoyable, and they saw no reason to give it up.

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Was it possible that the parents of the Incorrigibles had done the same thing, and for the same heartrending reason?

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While maintaining a fragile—and heartrending—composure, Ms. Manville’s Jocasta also reveals that she was not Laius’ only victim; it is implied that he was killed while heading to some sort of unsavory assignation.

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It’s heartrending stuff on the page, but getting it onscreen was a challenge.

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Speaking of debilitating nostalgia, this one might feel a bit out of place in this album’s universe, but it’s a heartrending gem nonetheless.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agonizing 
• distressing www.thesaurus.com
• excruciating 
• harrowing 
• heart-wrenching 
• heartbreaking 
• sad 
• touching 
• tragic